Sigma Alpha Epsilon - University of Montana

Fall 2014 Newsletter

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BETA BEAT
Sigma Alpha Epsilon s University of montana
fall 2014
THE
Montana Beta Moves Forward
I
t has been quite a ride. Over the last 10 years, Montana Beta has
gone from nearly closing its doors to a viable fraternity on an
upward trajectory; we have had as few as five active members and
as many as our current 41. I just returned from Missoula and the UM
Homecoming. It was so exciting to see the changes at 1120 Gerald.
The enthusiasm I saw among the members was contagious. With
19 new members, Montana Beta is on very firm ground for the first
time in a decade. Grades have improved to over a 3.0 GPA, there
is an improved live-in membership, more involvement in campus
activities, better intra-fraternity cooperation, and a stronger Greek
system in general. This would not have happened without alumni
support and encouragement.
The consensus among most of us at the SAE events held during
Homecoming was that finishing the kitchen has been a huge
success, and was one of the main turning points in a successful
recruitment. Our cook, Tara Nicholson, has gotten rave reviews
from the brothers about the meals she has prepared and has kept the
kitchen on budget. She has also done double-duty as house director,
a job that involves watching over house activities, attempting to
keep the brothers in line, and be a person they can go to when they
need someone to answer their questions.
One project that was completed over the summer was the repair
of the chimney—something that hadn't been done for quite some
time. Thanks go out to Brother Max Boese, Willamette University
'62, for his work on getting this job completed. I would also like
to give kudos to our House Corporation: President Jim Mountain
'81, Vice President Ron Cole '81, Secretary Max Boese, Treasurer
Kurt Ingold '67, Director Bob Haynam '65, and several former
board members Dave Hafer '64, Tom Ross '62, Tony Wertz
'65, and Ken Lawrence '63, for their time and energy devoted to
keeping the fires burning.
Also, we shouldn't forget all the time and energy that John
Greener '79, Montana Beta Alumni Chapter President Max Boese
and Chapter Advisor Scott Johnson '81 have devoted to helping
the chapter in so many ways on an ongoing basis. I would hope
that when you see these men, you also give them a big "thank you
Brother for what you do."
Our efforts will continue as long as there is a Montana Beta because
we care, and alumni involvement is necessary for the chapter to
succeed. If any of you are interested in joining that effort, please let
us know. We thank all of you for your support.
In the bonds,
Dick Ford '64
(925) 876-8625
dickford94596@gmail.com
C
harles Hood '61 was a faculty member of the UM School of Journalism for 26 years and served 10
years as dean. He earned his doctorate in American studies from Washington State University and
became a widely respected expert on Sen. Mike Mansfield's life and career.
Charlie was a reporter for the United Press International in Helena and a reporter and editor at the
Lewistown Daily News, Great Falls Tribune, and the Missoulian. Together with fellow distinguished
alumnus Charles S. Johnson, Charlie won a National Headliner Award in 1975 and earned recognition
from the American Medical Association for a special report about drug use in Montana, co-written with
the late UM broadcast professor Phil Hess.
A leader in promoting international education, he organized several international events at UM and
served as exchange professor at Kumamoto University and exchange scholar in journalism at Toyo
University in Tokyo. In his retirement, Charlie created a journalism exchange between UM and Charles
University in the Czech Republic, worked for the Prague Post, and copyedited for the International
Herald Tribune in Paris. He volunteered as a writing coach and mentor for journalism students at UM
and served on the advisory board of the Montanan. Charlie entered Chapter Grand on October 12, 2013.
Additional reporting by The Montanan.
Remembering Loyal Brother Charles Hood '61
In this issue:
A Q&A with Donald
Krumm '64 - p.2
Montana Beta Gives Back - p.2
SAE Maintains
Strong Footing - p.3
House Director Brings
New Dynamic - p.4